Things to do in Jakarta

More about Jakarta

Although it is not common for tourists to travel, there are many things to do in Jakarta. Jakarta is not a city where you can enjoy nature, yet the city has an engaging culture and places. You can check out the convenient transport options that can be accessed through digital maps. It conveniently connects the suburbs with the city center, making it easy for you to visit popular tourist attractions in Jakarta.

Nightlife in Jakarta presents energetic vibes, especially when you are visiting on weekends. There is a popular saying from the locals that this is the city that never sleeps. It is convenient to explore Jakarta as the megacity covers all the needs 24/7.

Top Things to Do in Jakarta

As a province, Jakarta is divided into six districts. Popular cities that become the center of activity are Central Jakarta and South Jakarta. However, there are places worth visiting in the cities.

1. Kota Tua (Oldtown)

The best time to visit Kota Tua is in the morning or late afternoon. At Fatahillah Square in the center of this place, you might enjoy a sunset among the crowds. Take a photo using colorful bikes (available for rent) or enjoy the crowd at the famous Cafe Batavia.

2. Bundaran HI

This landmark is worth a visit especially if you come at night. Illumination in this circular area will lighten up the atmosphere. A street photographer will come after to help you take some photos.

Walking towards the West Gate of Plaza Indonesia, you can buy some cheap street foods such as nasi uduk, fried banana, nasi goreng, and many more. It is not allowed to sit on the pavements, ignore it if you see locals doing it.

3. Sarinah

Savor Indonesian culture in a chic and modern building. Some food tenants are serving local food that you can find at the food court. You can find locally made batik and souvenirs at their department store. There is an iconic tenant, Sari Sari, selling an Indonesian traditional snack called “jajan pasar” in the basement.

• Location: Jl. M.H. Thamrin No.11, RT.8/RW.4, Gondangdia, Kec. Menteng, Kota Jakarta Pusat, Daerah Khusus Ibukota Jakarta 10350
• Opening hour: Daily from 7 AM – 10 PM

4. Taman Mini Indonesia Indah

The main attraction of this place is the replica of Indonesia’s Archipelago called the Archipelago Lake. The best way to see this iconic art is by taking a cable car. The newly renovated library and the park and bird are also worth a visit.

• Location: Jl. Taman Mini Indonesia Indah, Ceger, Kec. Cipayung, Kota Jakarta Timur, Daerah Khusus Ibukota Jakarta 13820
• Opening hours: Daily from 6 AM to 5 PM

5. Museum MACAN (Modern and Contemporary Art in Nusantara)

The most popular contemporary museum in Jakarta in a 7,100 square meter facility including onsite education and conservation spaces. Be amused by various contemporary art exhibitions, as you might find on their social media. Chiharu Shiota is one of the Japanese artists who held his first solo exhibition in Indonesia, which was entitled "The Soul Trembles."

• Location: ​​AKR Tower Level M, Jl. Panjang No.5, Kb. Jeruk, Kec. Kb. Jeruk, Kota Jakarta Barat, Daerah Khusus Ibukota Jakarta 11530
• Opening hours: Tuesday to Saturday from 10 AM – 5.30 PM

6. Glodok Chinatown

Dharma Bakti Temple is the most popular temple to visit if you come to Glodok. Expect tiny, narrow streets if you want to explore the market. A more seasonable ambiance for tourists is Pantjoran Tea House, where you can enjoy tea and food behind Glodok market.

• Location: Jl. Pancoran, RT.2/RW.1, Glodok, Kec. Taman Sari, Kota Jakarta Barat, Daerah Khusus Ibukota Jakarta 11120
• Opening hours: Daily 7 AM – 7 PM

7. National Gallery of Indonesia

Pay a visit to this place if you plan to travel around the area. Immerse yourself in some of the work of Indonesian artists such as Raden Saleh, Affandi, and Basuki Abdullah. Enjoy the beauty of installations prepared inside the gallery. The best part of this gallery is that there is a free entrance fee!

• Location: Jalan Medan Merdeka Tim. No.14, RT.6/RW.1, Gambir, Kota Jakarta Pusat
• Opening hours: Daily from 10 AM – 7 PM

8. Gelora Bung Karno

Come to this place in the morning for a light run or jog around the stadium. Locals often visit this place after office hours. As the crowd might also be a bit packed if you take an evening run, the vibes are lively.

• Location: Jl. Pintu Satu Senayan, Gelora, Kecamatan Tanah Abang, Kota Jakarta Pusat, Daerah Khusus Ibukota Jakarta 10270

9. Istiqlal Mosque

As one of the biggest Islamic countries in the world, you can visit this mosque to look after the culture and tradition. Istiqlal Mosque is a symbol of tolerance in Indonesia as it is designed by a Christian architect from North Sumatera, Frederich Silaban.

• Location: Jl. Taman Wijaya Kusuma, Ps. Baru, Kecamatan Sawah Besar, Kota Jakarta Pusat, Daerah Khusus Ibukota Jakarta 10710
• Opening hours: Daily from 4 AM – 21.00

10. Aula Simfonia

Find a show in Aula Simfonia if you have time to visit this wonderful concert hall. The center of interest at his concert hall is its pipe organ, which possesses a wonderful and natural sound. In a concert day, this building will be open until the concert ends.

• Location: Jl. Industri blok B 14 Kav. 1, Kemayoran, Jakarta Pusat 10610
• Opening hours: Monday to Friday from 10 AM – 5 PM, Saturday 10 AM – 2 PM, Sunday 10 AM – 3 PM

11. M Bloc Space

Treat yourself to some snacks and cuisine while enjoying the hype. Located in one of the busiest areas in Jakarta, you might see buses from terminals while the MRT is approaching the sky bridge. Previously, M Bloc was an abandoned building now perceived as an arts and exhibition center with local culinary tenants.

• Location: Jl. Panglima Polim No.37, RT.1/RW.1, Melawai, Kec. Kby. Baru, Kota Jakarta Selatan, Daerah Khusus Ibukota Jakarta 12160
• Opening hours: Daily from 10 AM – 10 PM

12. dia.lo.gue Artspace

A small yet loveable art space in the heart of the South Jakarta area. Offers rotating exhibitions, this contemporary art center also provides classes and lectures, a gift shop, and a cafe.

• Location: Jl. Kemang Sel. No.99A, RT.1/RW.2, Bangka, Kec. Mampang Prpt., Kota Jakarta Selatan, Daerah Khusus Ibukota Jakarta 12730
• Opening hours: Daily from 11 AM – 8 PM

13. The Fountain Wellness

Relax and soothe yourself in a modern yet authentic spa center in Jakarta. Freshen up your body and have a spa massage session that combines traditional and shiatsu techniques. After treatment, enjoy a small cup of traditional drinks such as ice turmeric and hot ginger.

• Location: Jl. Bumi No.24, Gunung, Kec. Kby. Baru, Jakarta, Daerah Khusus Ibukota Jakarta 12120
• Opening hours: Daily from 10 AM – 9 PM

14. Mood Wellness Studio and Kitchen

Crowds and hassle are considered the heart of this city, especially in South Jakarta. Located in one of the most crowded areas, this place is a tranquil space to keep you sane. Take a short vinyasa yoga with a cool yoga teacher. Don’t worry, they can use English during class!

• Location: Jl. Benda Raya Jl. Kemang Sel. No.5, RT.5/RW.4, Cilandak Tim., Ps. Minggu, Kota Jakarta Selatan, Daerah Khusus Ibukota Jakarta 12560
• Opening hours: Daily from 7 AM – 21 PM

15. Dandelion ID (waxing, nails, lash)

Premium beauty salon specializing in nail treatment, waxing, and lash. Using the best products around the world, let them take great care of your nails.

Location: Jl. K.H. Wahid Hasyim No.47 1, RT.1/RW.4, Gondangdia, Kec. Menteng, Kota Jakarta Pusat, Daerah Khusus Ibukota Jakarta 10350

Opening hours: Daily from 9 AM – 6 PM

Best Restaurant in Jakarta

Spare your time to explore Indonesian cuisine when visiting Jakarta. Despite having explored traditional cuisine you had never known before, visiting these restaurants will fulfill your appetite.

1. Pagi Sore Cipete

Have one of the best rendang in town with a comfy area and tasty food. It is best to take a walk from the MRT Station if you want to stop here. Though it might be a bit peculiar when you visit Padang restaurant, you have to ask for their tasty ayam goreng.

• Location: Jl. Cipete Raya No.2 1, Cipete Sel., Kec. Cilandak, Kota Jakarta Selatan, Daerah Khusus Ibukota Jakarta 12410
• Opening hours: Daily from 10 AM – 10 PM

2. HAKA Dimsum

If you like late-night snacking after a packed itinerary, enjoy the 24/7 dim sum shop loved by locals. Great place to enjoy dumplings, noodles, or a small portion of Chinese porridge.

Location: Jl. Kemang Selatan VIII No.44A 7, RT.7/RW.2, Bangka, Kec. Mampang Prpt., Kota Jakarta Selatan, Daerah Khusus Ibukota

Opening hours: Daily for 24 hours

3. Toko Kopi Tuku

Pioneer, the most popular to-go coffee in Indonesia, serves Es Kopi Susu Tetangga, an ice coffee latte with palm sugar as the sweetener. There are more than ten branches alongside the Jakarta area, but you can find the OG shop at Cipete.

• Location: Jl. Cipete Raya B No.7 6, RT.6/RW.3, Cipete Sel., Kec. Cilandak, Kota Jakarta Selatan, Daerah Khusus Ibukota Jakarta 12410
• Opening hours: Daily from 8 AM – 10 PM

4. Pecenongan Culinary

This mouthwatering adventure for street food lovers! Come after 6 PM to enjoy the best Chinese food served on the street side. Spare a belly for a must-try martabak Bandung, a thick pancake with generous fillings of your choice such as banana, chocolate, cheese, corn, raisins, etc.

Location: Jalan Pecenongan, Petojo Utara, Jakarta, Indonesia, 10120

Opening hours: Daily from 6 PM – 11 PM

5. Seirockya Ramen

Indonesian enjoys Japanese-style cuisine made by locals, including this halal ramen. Try the most popular Toripaitan Ramen Ekstrim, a rich-tasting noodle with thick soup made from chicken broth served with a slice of lemon to balance the taste of umami ramen.

• Location: Jl. KH. Ahmad Dahlan Kby. No.22A, RT.9/RW.3, Kramat Pela, Kec. Kby. Baru, Kota Jakarta Selatan, Daerah Khusus Ibukota Jakarta 12130
• Opening hours: Daily from 10 AM – 10.30 PM

Best Hotel Recommendation in Jakarta

Enjoy the best hospitality from Indonesian hotels in the most strategic places. Most of the staff in Jakarta can communicate in English to give good care of your visits.

1. Hotel Indonesia Kempinski Jakarta

An iconic hotel in front of the Indonesian landmark, Bundaran HI. Best place to stay if you plan to visit museums and historical sites in Jakarta. Close to the malls with various tenants and very beautiful at night.

• Location: Jalan MH Thamrin No. 1, Thamrin, Jakarta Pusat, Jakarta, Indonesia, 10310
• Room rate: starts from Rp2,293,331 per night

2. Kosenda Hotel

Convenient four-star boutique hotel with modern and rustic style. Loved by many visitors for its strategic location near the city center. Savour good food at the restaurant and enjoy live music on the weekends.

• Location: Jl. KH Wahid Hasyim No. 127, Tanah Abang, Kebon Kacang, Jakarta, Indonesia, 10240
• Room rate: Starts from Rp876,033

3. InterContinental Jakarta Pondok Indah

A luxurious five-star hotel with direct access to one of the biggest malls in Jakarta. The room offers enjoyable views of the panoramic city, pool, or golf court.

• Location: Jalan Metro Pondok Indah Kav. IV TA, Pondok Indah, Kebayoran Lama, Jakarta, Indonesia, 12310
• Room rate: Starts from Rp3,445,099

4. Hotel Monopoli

Book a room at this friendly neighborhood hotel if you plan to go cafe hopping or enjoy the nightlife in South Jakarta. Be immersed in the modern culture of Jakarta and its surroundings. Visits some small souvenir shops, yoga studios, and mini artspace in walking distance.

Location: l. Taman Kemang No.12 14, RT.14/RW.1, Bangka, Kec. Mampang Prpt., Kota Jakarta Selatan, Daerah Khusus Ibukota Jakarta 12730

Room rate: Starts from Rp646.281 per night

5. HARRIS Suites fX Sudirman - Jakarta

Very convenient option if you want to explore Jakarta using public transportation. Located in the center of the Jakarta business district, you can take trains or buses with no hassle. This hotel is loved by locals who want to enjoy city light from skyscrapers buildings.

Location: Jl. Jend Sudirman, Pintu Satu Senayan, Kebayoran Baru, Senayan, Jakarta, Indonesia, 10270

Room rate: Starts from Rp97,.554

Tips When Visiting Jakarta

Buy JakLingko Card at the nearest MRT Station if you plan to use public transportation in Jakarta. It can be used for trains (MRT, LRT, and Commuter Line), buses, and public minibusses called Mikrotrans.

Download the ride-hailing app on your gadget to use the online taxi bike when you are stuck in traffic. You can top-up your balance or connect the app to your debit/credit card. Try to use the app to buy some foods from the best-selling shops.

Take cash if you plan to visit traditional markets or street food alleys. Some places might already use cashless payment methods, such as QRIS. You can top up a balance using the ride-hailing app if you select this payment option during your stay.